In a video that has found itself recirculating on social media, world-renowned Filipina singer-actress Lea Salonga can be seen being interviewed and speaking in English with a British accent, which has Filipino social media users divided on their opinions about the way she spoke.
In the video posted by a Lea Salong fan page on Facebook, social media users have been commenting on her accent, prompting the admins of the page to defend the artist.
“This interview was 30++ years ago. She worked in the UK for Miss Saigon. She was able to adapt with her environment, including the accent. She was so young pa here. Why are you pressed???? Come on, people!” the Facebook page commented.
Many Facebook users questioned where her accent came from and why she was ‘pretending to have one.’
“British accent after 3 days- 2 weeks,” one commenter said.
Another commenter said, “I love her, but this one is like overacting and trying hard to be a British to imitate the British accent…”
There were some who defended the actress, saying that she may have adapted the accent from working in London.
“What’s wrong when someone is trying an accent? It’s not a crime,” one comment reads.
Another commenter said, “That’s a true Filipino attribute… We can adapt, assimilate, to any culture or country. Since she’s 17 years old, she performed in West End and lived in England so she acquired the British accent. When she performs in Broadway she speaks American accent..”
“Nothing wrong with her accent when she’s in England. She also speaks & sings well in English & Tagalog,” a third commenter said.
Another old interview video of the singer-actress had been posted on the same page, with the same criticism about her accent.
One comment said, “What’s with a fake British accent?? Seriously! There’s nothing wrong with speaking English with Filipino accent. Why being so pretentious? I like her as a performer, she’s a brilliant singer/performer. But for crying out loud, be proud of who you are and where you came from. Drop that fake British accent!”
Other Facebook users seem to be displeased by the comment and defended Salonga.
“She’s delightful…Filipinos are pretty much adaptable to any language. You’re probably one of those that can’t. Loosen your tongue, lady. Practice makes it perfect. You won’t regret it,” one commenter replied.
Another reply said, “It’s not being pretentious Madam it’s what you call pure talent. Not just in her singing career but also her versatility to learn languages and accents. FYI there’s nothing wrong with that either.”
Lea Salonga appeared in London’s Westend for ‘Miss Saigon,’ ‘Les Misérables,’ and Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Old Friends.’
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